A Potential Biter

by Cynthia on 4 July, 2007

The worst thing about rescue is getting in a dog that could possible bite someone, or has already bitten someone. Well, there is a dog with sheltie rescue right now, he’s either a collie or a sheltie the debate is still out, that has gone ofter his foster Mom. Second time he broke skin.

He was pulled from a shelter. I haven’t met him yet, but the question in the air is of euthanasia. As horrible as that is, we can’t place a potential biter. Not only is it too dangerous, we also could get sued. So sheltie rescue is keeping me in the loop.

When I started collie rescue I made a pact with myself. I can’t take aggressive dogs. I don’t have the resources, and I have to keep my family, and other families, safe. It would break my heart, but there are so many good dogs out there that need homes. In an ideal world all dogs, aggressive and otherwise, would be able to live out their lives in a nice comfortable place where everyone is safe. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world.

So anyway, it’s a hard call. It’s easier to just run off and buy concert tickets to a concert, and not have to think about it.

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jan

4 July, 2007

It’s a heart breaking decision to make because the dog who bites has been taught to bite by humans in one way or another. But as you say there are deserving dogs who don’t have dangerous habits to consider.

It's a heart breaking decision to make because the dog who bites has been taught to bite by humans in one way or another. But as you say there are deserving dogs who don't have dangerous habits to consider.

Oh I am so sorry. I have been in this boat myself on a few occasions and it is not easy. I have to tell myself that this dog is taking the space of another deserving dog with out issues. Unfortunately with limited resources and liability issues it has to be that way. HUGS

Oh I am so sorry. I have been in this boat myself on a few occasions and it is not easy. I have to tell myself that this dog is taking the space of another deserving dog with out issues. Unfortunately with limited resources and liability issues it has to be that way. HUGS

Hi, I’m reading you via the No Nofollow | I Follow | DoFollow Community at Bumpzee, on the RSS feed. I think I’ve dropped by before but not sure if I commented.. 😉

I’ve been bitten twice by dogs, the first time was more like a mauling. I think you’re making the right decision. There is nothing worse than a dog you can’t trust. You clearly do a lot of good work helping these dogs but you have to balance that with keeping everyone safe..

Very interesting blog you have here.. Looking forward to reading more from you. 🙂

Hi, I'm reading you via the No Nofollow | I Follow | DoFollow Community at Bumpzee, on the RSS feed. I think I've dropped by before but not sure if I commented.. 😉 I've been bitten twice by dogs, the first time was more like a mauling. I think you're making the right decision. There is nothing worse than a dog you can't trust. You clearly do a lot of good work helping these dogs but you have to balance that with keeping everyone safe.. Very interesting blog you have here.. Looking forward to reading more from you. 🙂 Snoskred http://snoskred.blogspot.com/

I too rescued a border collie that was a “biter” Please remember that the majority of dogs do not bite out of aggression but out of fear especially when on lead. My dog was turning and nipping me when in what the dog considered to be a threatening situation. The dog wanted to adopt the “flight” as a response to the percieved danger but couldn’t as the lead restrained him. It took a few weeks of training and a lot of confidence building to rectify the problem. Now in situations which I recognise as being stressful for the dog (such as oncoming strange dogs) I ask him to lie down and watch me. Slowly his confidence is improving as he begins to learn that not all humans are as abusive as his original owners.
Regards, Marion

I too rescued a border collie that was a "biter" Please remember that the majority of dogs do not bite out of aggression but out of fear especially when on lead. My dog was turning and nipping me when in what the dog considered to be a threatening situation. The dog wanted to adopt the "flight" as a response to the percieved danger but couldn't as the lead restrained him. It took a few weeks of training and a lot of confidence building to rectify the problem. Now in situations which I recognise as being stressful for the dog (such as oncoming strange dogs) I ask him to lie down and watch me. Slowly his confidence is improving as he begins to learn that not all humans are as abusive as his original owners. Regards, Marion

Hi Marion.
Yes, most have fear aggression. Both myself and the sheltie rescue are very experienced with dogs and their behavior, so I think we made the right decision, as sad as it is. 🙁 I’m so glad you were able to work with that dog and turn him around.

Hi Marion. Yes, most have fear aggression. Both myself and the sheltie rescue are very experienced with dogs and their behavior, so I think we made the right decision, as sad as it is. 🙁 I'm so glad you were able to work with that dog and turn him around.

Oh I am so sorry. I have been in this boat myself on a few occasions and it is not easy. I have to tell myself that this dog is taking the space of another deserving dog with out issues. Unfortunately with limited resources and liability issues it has to be that way.